EGR officials confirmed this week that it will not renew Montoya’s contract for next season and will replace him in the No. 42 Target-sponsored car.

“It was a shock to me,” Earnhardt said. “I’m sure Juan and (team owner) Chip (Ganassi) have had these discussions about it and it wasn’t something he would find out like everyone else did.

“It was funny, because there was no (public) discussion about it. You normally hear about these things underground a little bit earlier before they happen. I didn’t hear anything about it. I was really shocked.”

Montoya won the 1999 CART Indy Car championship and the 2000 Indy 500. He also won seven Formula One races and came to NASCAR as one of the most celebrated racecar drivers in the world.

He has struggled throughout an up-and-down stock-car career, however. In seven seasons, Montoya has just two Sprint Cup victories and one Nationwide win — all on road courses. He made the Chase in 2009 but has finished 17th or worse in points the past three seasons and currently is 22nd.

Montoya’s future is now uncertain with few Sprint Cup rides available for next season and such accomplished drivers as Kurt Busch and Ryan Newman on the free agent market.

Earnhardt said he admires Montoya for giving NASCAR a shot.

“I don’t know what Juan’s plans are, but he’s been a lot of fun to have in the series,” Earnhardt said. “He didn’t have to be here. He didn’t have to try and come back and race in this series.

“He’s had a pretty good career and he doesn’t have anything to prove. But he’s been a lot of fun to have him around.”

Earnhardt said Montoya has adapted well to the world of NASCAR.

“I was worried about him being a Formula One driver and how the culture was so different and how he would fit in and interact with us, me in particular,” Earnhardt said. “I’ve always enjoyed working with him and racing with him and competing with him.

“He’s been a good guy off the racetrack. It’s been fun having him around. I hope he sticks around, but you just never know. He just kind of picks his own battles, so you never know where he’s going to race next.”